Both properties are doing exactly what long-term rentals are supposed to do: low leverage, strong cash flow, and massive equity buffers.A few objective observations and next steps to consider:1.

These owners care more about speed and certainty than price, so your ability to explain a clean and easy close is your edge.Another strong move is working closely with a few agents who focus on older or distressed homes.

Your books are a little cooked with your cleaning arrangement - most people have to pay for that, and if you monetize your management time on the trade-off then you are paying for it - but even that could be a pass-through that most guests wouldn't object to. 

But it takes the objection of funding out of the equation.

There's a lot more considerations including lifestyle and overall investment objectives that I'd look to implore prior to purchasing. 

I'm in the Texas market and I really never went back to some HML who were not patient with me when I first started... even after I explained it was my first rodeo.If you can find a group that is willing to give you feedback on how they will underwrite in your market, then you've found a solid win-win I think.

What surprised me wasn’t the rankings themselves, but how often the exercise surfaced where my gut feeling disagreed with the data — and forced me to explain why.At least for me, that’s been more valuable than chasing a single “top market” list.I’m curious how others here think about this:Do you start with a preferred strategy and narrow markets from there?

I would also suggest that your lender should be explaining this to you as well. 

Not seeing how you will succeed...Apparently you're not watching the many videos on YouTube and TikTok, explaining just how easy it is to make money in real estate without cash, credit, or know how.  

You need to find a property which matches your long term investment objectives while providing you with a residence.